Prospect Spotlight: Malik Jones (2018)
Winning is the only thing that matters to East Lansing point guard Malik Jones, and he’s done a lot of it.
Last season, Jones and the Trojans finished the season 24-1 overall and 14-0 in conference. Their only loss came in the Class A Regional Final against Kalamazoo Central.
For most players, a trip to the regional final would be great, but it’s not enough for Jones. The 5-foot-7, 165 pound point guard is determined to win a state championship and become an All-Conference and All-State player before he takes his talents to Aquinas College next year.
“I love my teammates. Stats mean absolutely nothing to me. I just want to WIN,” said Jones.
He averaged 8 points, 4 assists and just over 2 steals per game last season, but Jones knows what he has to work on and believes he can take his game to another level. He is a fast, tough player that can get to the rim with ease and he’s always looking to get his teammates involved.
One thing that sets him apart from other players is his knowledge of the game. He is strategic when he drives to the basket. If he has an open shot, he will take it, but he will not force bad shots. He’s a willing passer that makes everyone on the court better. Jones’ teammates always have to be on the lookout when he has the ball because of his great court vision. He is one of the most underrated passers in the 2018 class.
“My biggest strengths are my defense, speed, quick handle, leadership and mid-range, but I’m still working on a more consistent 3-point shot and finishing through contact,” said Jones.
Jones is ranked as Prep Hoops’ No. 44 overall prospect in the state of Michigan, but his size might have him a little underrated. We’ve seen guys like Steph Curry go to mid-majors because major programs were worried about size, but Jones is only fueled by the fact that he is somewhat overlooked.
One thing that has helped Jones become the player he is today is watching some of the best players in the world. He said that he loves watching Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and University of Michigan recruit David DeJulius. He credits these three guys for helping him become better at breaking down defenders, something he does extremely well.
“It motivates me everyday knowing that I put in just as much work as some of these other top guys, and I’ve played and competed with most of them,” Jones said.
Jones’ size might keep him from rising in the rankings, but the Aquinas College commit isn’t worried about where he’s ranked. The only thing on his mind is winning, and if he happens to blow up along the way, no one that’s seen him play will be surprised.